With each new generation, more of this country’s population becomes further and further removed from the farm. It’s easy to understand why many people in this country have no concept where their food comes from. Many have forgotten, or may have never known, that individual producers supply ...

In large and small communities across our country, too many Americans find themselves placed in danger by the very people who are supposed to love and protect them. Each year, more than 2 million women are victims of domestic violence across our country. In Kansas, an estimated one in 10 adult ...

While Kansas is blessed with many resources, without question its people are the most valuable. While traveling from Colby to Leavenworth a couple weeks ago, the importance of people came into sharp focus once again.One stop on this journey was in the small town of Gove in northwestern Kansas. ...

In the process of writing this week’s story about ancestry and interviewing people passionate about genealogy research, my interest in the subject understandably was piqued.My father’s side of the family has gathered for a family reunion annually for more than 50 years. When your ...

While farmers and ranchers have always adhered to sound principles of animal husbandry and livestock care, society’s views on animal welfare continue to evolve.Today, there is a heightened awareness of the animal’s quality of life. While there are extreme fringe groups, “activists” if ...

The key to a healthy diet today is to eat a variety of foods, including grains, milk, vegetables, meat and fruits — all in moderation. Each of us needs to make smart choices about when we eat and how much.Another key ingredient in personal health is exercise. Something as simple as a ...

Over the years we have all heard advice related to food safety, some of which rings true, while other guidance is just plain wrong. September is National Food Safety Education month, which is a good time to review myths and facts regarding safe food handling. Myth 1: “If I heat food in the ...

With students back in school, traffic naturally increases at certain times during the day.We always should be attentive when on the road, whether it’s summer break or when school is in session.Tonganoxie Water Park, for instance, is a spot youths frequent often during the summer, and many of ...

With the advent of the new school year, there’s apprehension some youngsters may be leaving the school cafeteria hungry. This may be in part due to recent changes in this country’s school lunch program.No question, some of the changes in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act are good for our ...

With every passing year, farm machinery becomes larger and larger. Some of this new equipment is so large it extends into the oncoming traffic lane and far beyond the tractor pulling it.Farms are larger today than in the past, and farm operators are forced to travel longer distances on the ...